OUC Receives “Environmental Champion” Award for Sixth Consecutive Year

Utility ranked first among electric companies in the South by Escalent

OUC—The Reliable One has been named a 2023 Environmental Champion in Escalent’s Cogent Syndicated 2023 Utility Trusted Brand and Customer Engagement: Residential study. Only 30 utilities nationwide were recognized for exceptional dedication to environmental stewardship. 

This achievement marks the sixth year in a row OUC has claimed this honor. OUC topped the list of Florida electric utilities and ranked second among electric-only companies nationwide. 

Environmental Champions are selected based on survey results from customers who rate their energy providers on sustainability stewardship in their business operations, providing energy efficiency programs to help lower consumption, supporting environmental causes and on their commitment to clean energy.

“As we celebrate Earth Month, OUC is proud that our customers recognize our steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility,” said Linda Ferrone, OUC Chief Customer & Marketing Officer. 

“From topping out our first net-zero energy campus in St. Cloud, exploration of a long-duration energy storage, and introducing multiple electric vehicle initiatives – we’ve continued to make notable strides toward our goal of Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

This year, OUC has undertaken several environmental initiatives including:

• Topping out on its St. Cloud Operations & Maintenance Center, the first net-zero campus for a Florida utility. The state-of-the-art campus will reach net-zero emissions through conservation and efficiency practices and the use of renewable energy. The project includes several sustainable features, including rooftop solar panels, floating solar, high-efficiency water fixtures, rainwater harvesting tanks, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, walking and biking trails, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Construction is expected to be completed in December 2023.
• Exploring a partnership with Malta Inc. to deploy a long-duration energy storage (LDES) power plant in a move to ensure grid reliability and meet its net-zero carbon emissions goal. This innovative initiative enables deployment of renewable and clean power by storing energy for long periods of time and enhancing reliability on an evolving electric grid system. The long-duration power plant would support OUC’s transition from fossil fuel energy generation to clean and renewable energy resources like solar.
• Expanding investment and infrastructure for EVs through a $45 million commitment to innovative electrification programs, including progress on the Robinson Recharge Mobility Hub, an OUC-led EV project that will feature up to 20 Level 3 charging stations in downtown Orlando. Expected to open in May, the facility will be the largest of its kind in Florida, with the capability to charge all makes of battery-powered vehicles. OUC also secured a grant to develop a second site for high-speed EV charging in Orlando.

To determine Environmental Champions, Escalent conducted surveys among residential electric, natural gas and combination utility customers of the 141 largest U.S. utility companies over the last 12 months and scored the utilities on an Environmental Dedication index. Those scoring high enough on the index have been named Environmental Champions. The findings of the Cogent Syndicated 2023 Utility Trusted Brand and Customer Engagement: Residential study can be viewed here.